Of free standing form, constructed using a field of finely grained sycamore, with precise use of its close relative, harewood in counterpoint, as well as purpleheart in the cross bandings and, inter alia, boxwood, thuya and circassian walnut in the comprehensive and complex marquetry and parquetry work, which is of the very finest craftsmanship, incorporating designs from the oeuvre of Robert Adam, the whole being dressed with fire-gilt ormolu mounts which are crisply cast, chased and gilded: rising from square section collared tapering legs, the ormolu toes incorporating castors; the apron inlaid with a running band comprising vertical fillets of harewood, housing two drawers dressed with pairs of ormolu knobs, which flank a swag adorned central square tablet: the extraordinary platform is framed within a running stiff leaf ormolu framework, an outer geometrical cross banding in purpleheart enclosing a large, and two flanking smaller circles, and at the angles, symmetrically shaped spandrels, all delineated in precise and artistically executed marquetry work, which includes the attributes of music, parquetry, Bellflowers and foliates.Circa 1870

Biography

Howard and Sons were established in 1820 by John Howard, at 24 Orange Street, London. In 1854 the firm had expanded considerably and was established in the heart of the furniture district of London at 22 - 36 Berners Street. They employed their eclectic range of styles working for many important clients at important houses such as Sudbury Hall in Derbyshire and Elton Hall, Huntingdonshire. Still fashionable at the end of the 19th Century they provided the fittings for Mr Vanderbilt’s Yacht. Their work is in the Royal Collection, and the Queen’s private collections at Sandringham and Balmoral, and a cabinet made in 1862 is in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. The company ceased to trade in 1947.